West Midlands Combined Authority

🚀 The West Midlands’ cultural and creative sector is taking off!   We announced at the Rocket League World Championship in Solihull over the weekend, new partnerships with national cultural bodies and creative unions, both of which will bring fresh investment, fairer jobs and more opportunities across film, TV, heritage and esports.   The agreements support Mayor Richard Parker’s priority to grow the sector and showcase the region’s world-class talent.   Peter Knott, Midlands area director at Arts Council England, said: “It is extremely positive to be joining the WMCA along with other cultural organisations in committing to supporting growth of the creative sector in the West Midlands.   Rob Johnston, TUC Midlands policy and campaigns officer, added: “This is a truly landmark agreement. Creative workers employed through the combined authority will now receive union rates. Moreover, it sends a signal to the wider industry around the pay and conditions that are expected in our region."   Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gEzM4_wG

😂 Phew it's past 12pm on April Fools Day!

⏳ Time is running out! This is your last chance to shape the future of how buses run in our area 🚍 💬 Whether you take the bus every day or occasionally, Transport for West Midlands would love to hear what you think. 📅 Have your say by this Sunday (30 March) and let’s improve the bus network in our region! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dGK7W8Wk

Working together for the Midlands. The Mayors of the West Midlands and East Midlands sign an historic agreement to unite both regions and deliver change. The commitment formalises a deeper collaboration between the WMCA and East Midlands Combined County Authority.

🏆 The Kabaddi World Cup has arrived this week in the West Midlands! For the first time ever, the tournament is being hosted outside of Asia, with teams from India, Iran, Pakistan and more competing at venues in Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.   We caught up with England Vice-Captain Sally Hill about playing in a World Cup on her home turf and we hear from Scotland’s coaching staff on their love for the region!

🎉 What an incredible day at Venturefest West Midlands! We celebrated 10 years of innovation, collaboration, and growth! Over the past decade, we’ve had the privilege of connecting thousands of investors, innovators, and entrepreneurs, building a thriving ecosystem that continues to drive progress across our region. This year’s milestone event featured an inspiring and celebratory programme, with industry leaders delivering thought-provoking keynotes and engaging panel discussions that challenged, inspired, and motivated hundreds of delegates and a chance to win business support provided by our sponsors. 🌟 A huge congratulations to Raoul Popescu-Ghimis and RACE Software. The winner of this year's Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up! Here's to the next chapter of Venturefest West Midlands! 🚀 #VenturefestWM #WestMidlandsInnovation #WMPlanforGrowth

Thank you to Active Travel Commissioner Beccy Marston for organising our first ever colleague walk and talk along Birmingham's canals to celebrate International Women's Day.

What is bus franchising and how can it benefit buses in our region? 🚍 Buses connect our communities, with 232 million journeys made last year, but the current system has challenges. A new franchising model could give us greater control and ensure services meet local needs. Steven Hayes, Head of Network Transformation at Transport for West Midlands, explains why it's important for people to share their views as part of our bus consultation. 📆 Have your say before March 30! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dGK7W8Wk

The West Midlands continues to lead the UK’s digital revolution with £5M in new funding to scale cutting-edge 5G solutions in manufacturing and social care. - In social care, Technology-Enabled Care (TEC) is already benefiting 350+ people, reducing hospital admissions and improving proactive care. - In manufacturing, a private 5G and data solution at JLR Solihull is enhancing efficiency, automation, and connectivity. With this funding, WM5G and partners will expand regional impact, strengthen national collaboration, and drive long-term transformation. Read the full announcement here: https://orlo.uk/Ib3m8

💯 Don’t listen to what others think. Follow your dreams. On International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating women like Freya, who are proving bricklaying isn’t just for men. Great work City of Wolverhampton College #IWD2025